The United States calls on all armed forces in Sudan to immediately cease attacks in El Fasher, North Darfur. We are alarmed by indications of an imminent offensive by the Rapid Support Forces and its affiliated militias. An offensive against El Fasher city would subject civilians to extreme danger, including the hundreds of thousands of displaced persons who have taken refuge there. The United States is deeply troubled by credible reports that the RSF and its affiliated militias have razed multiple villages west of El Fasher. We also condemn reported indiscriminate aerial bombardments in the region by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and their continued limitations on life-saving humanitarian aid access.

The leaders of the SAF and RSF and their affiliated militias face a choice – escalate the violence and perpetuate the suffering of their people while risking the disintegration of their country, or cease attacks, allow unhindered humanitarian access, and prepare in good faith for negotiations to end this war and restore power to the people of Sudan.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Department of State.

Ghana’s Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, on Wednesday (24 April, 2024) visited the Vatican, where he was warmly received by Pope Francis as part of his working visit to the Republic of Italy and the Vatican State.

This landmark meeting underscores Ghana’s commitment to strengthening ties with the global community and fostering diplomatic relations on an international scale.

The historic encounter took place in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall, where Dr. Bawumia had the distinct honour of meeting with Pope Francis. Accompanied by the Second Lady Hajia Samira Bawumia and other government officials, Dr. Bawumia’s visit to the Vatican symbolised Ghana’s dedication to engaging with global leaders on matters of mutual importance.

During their meeting, discussions between Dr. Bawumia and Pope Francis centered on strengthening diplomatic relations between Ghana and the Vatican.

The discussions were cordial, cementing the positive relations between the Holy See and Ghana.

Key areas of focus during the meeting included the political and socio-economic landscape of Ghana, with particular attention given to collaboration in fields such as education and healthcare. These discussions underscored Ghana’s commitment to advancing its socio-economic development and fostering partnerships with international stakeholders to achieve common goals.

In addition to meeting with Pope Francis, Dr. Bawumia also engaged in talks with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations. Their discussions further cemented the strong ties between Ghana and the Vatican and explored avenues for cooperation on various issues of mutual interest.

One notable aspect of the discussions was the exchange of views on current international issues, particularly focusing on security challenges facing West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea.

Vice president Bawumia is expected to return to Ghana on Thursday, 25 April 2024.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Amb. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, chaired a session on Tuesday at the ministry headquarters in the capital city of Mogadishu, gathered with the ministry’s department directors and the Permanent Secretary, focusing on implementing strategic reforms to enhance operational efficiency.

During the session, Minister Fiqi unveiled ambitious plans to modernize archival and consular services, emphasizing digitization and efficiency enhancements, incorporating cutting-edge technology to meet evolving needs. Emphasizing the significance of bilateral and multilateral relations, he outlined strategies to strengthen political, security, economic, and social bonds, while establishing comprehensive dossiers on issues and agendas related to regional and international politics.

Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi stressed the importance of meticulous documentation by advocating for the archival of outcomes from external engagements, ensuring thorough follow-up and implementation. He also championed innovation and productivity as essential pillars for achieving diplomatic success, ultimately reinforcing Somalia’s global standing.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation – Federal Republic of Somalia.

Parliament has committed to contribute Shs1 billion towards the completion of the radiotherapy centre at St. Francis Nsambya Hospital in the capital, Kampala.

The commitment was made by the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, as she launched the 2024 edition of the Annual Rotary Cancer Run at the hospital on Wednesday, 24 April 2024.

The 2024 run that is scheduled for 25 August 2024 at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, will mark the 13th year of the Rotary Cancer Run under the theme: “Spread Magic in Every Step”.

Parliament has been a major sponsor of the annual event that purposes to raise money to support cancer initiatives under the Rotary Cancer Programme.

With the capacity to address challenges in cancer treatment, the facility will reduce the associated costs borne by patients and the strain on public health facilities in managing the second leading cause of death globally.

The Speaker, who toured the cancer ward and bunker site, commended the cancer run initiative in serving humanity, committed to supporting the project to its timely completion.

“As a people-centred Parliament, we will generously support the completion of the bunkers and we should be able to finish it as soon as possible because once completed, it will bring a smile to Nsambya Hospital, cancer patients, all the runners and Rotarians,” Among said, before undertaking to join Rotary.

Among went on to urge countrymen and women of goodwill to join hands and support the project to create a significant impact on the lives of cancer patients.

“This project will help in complementing the treatment of cancer and decongesting other hospitals…. this money that we get for donations must be spent on humanity,” she said.

Among commended the former Speaker, Rebecca Kadaga for spearheading Parliament’s campaign towards supporting cancer runs during the 10th Parliament.

Parliament’s Shs1 billion contribution alone nearly equals the Shs1.1 billion collected during the 2023 cancer run which attracted 30,000 participants.

This year, Rotary Uganda hopes to collect Shs4 billion and double the number of participants to 60,000.

“This will translate to doubling last year’s collections to Shs4 billion, a substantial contribution towards the required Shs13.8 billion for the completion of the radiotherapy centre,” Michael Niyitegeka, the chairperson of the Cancer Run 2024 said.

Dr Andrew Ssekitooleko, the Chief Executive Officer of Nsambya Hospital, also urged Ugandans to embrace running and revealed how the project has demonstrated how the human spirit can give birth to good stuff.

“The hospital has not contributed a penny towards this initiative, it has been individuals and we, in a special way, recognise Parliament’s contribution,” he said.

The Rotary Cancer Run started in 2012. Proceeds from the first three runs constructed the Rotary Centenary Bank Cancer Centre at Nsambya, while the Shs200 million from the 2015 run constructed the Rotary Blood Bank at Mengo Hospital.

Funds raised from the runs between 2016 to 2021 were used for phase one of the construction of the bunkers.

According to the World Health Organisation, cancer is a large group of diseases that can start in almost any organ or tissue of the body when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, go beyond their usual boundaries to invade adjoining parts of the body and/or spread to other organs.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.